We need to encourage the single people in our church who are living for Jesus Christ in a mostly anti-Christian culture. I Corinthians 7:28 tells us “those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.” Later in that chapter we are told by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul that “An unmarried woman is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world-- how she can please her husband (corresponding language refers to husbands being concerned for their wives.)” If you are a single person, be encouraged that God is working His perfect purpose and will in and through your life! Our church and our communities would definitely be more empty if you were not a part of us. God desires to bless you with much more love, power and wisdom as you reflect the glory of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. You are God's child!

To the married among us, do we involve our single brothers and sisters in family life? Do we call them, invite them over, include them in our activities? What do we do to recognize and encourage our single friends to live life “to the full” as God has called them? Do we call them even when we don't need babysitters? Do we ask them to speak into our lives, and do we recognize the rich blessings they can offer our children as well? Psalm 68:6 says “God sets the lonely in families.” We married people have an opportunity to bless our single friends, and sometimes we miss it.

It has been said that a major contributor to our cultural demise is the breakdown of the family. So we hear teaching to enrich marriage, we celebrate mothers on Mother's Day, fathers have their special Father's Day, and many homes cater to the whims and wishes of pampered children. Certainly, mothers, fathers, and children are family components who need input from the church. Fathers, godly fathers, are nearly on the endangered species list. But where does that leave single people? We can unwittingly marginalize single people in our churches. Brothers and sisters, this should not be! When is the last time you thanked God for your single brother or sister in the church, and prayed that He would encourage their hearts? Have you recently commended a single sister or brother for saving their virginity—no small accomplishment in our society, and a testament to the life of God at work in our single brothers and sisters!

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A Faith That Works

For the past few years, I have occasionally written articles under the heading "A Faith That Works", for our congregation. These are mostly related to practical Christianity. Recently, we have merged them into blog format. Feel free to read and respond at your discretion. May God direct you to love Him and to love others! Rich Schwartz